Instant PowerLine
TM
Series
Use this guide to install:
PLUSB10 ver. 2
User Guide
PowerLine USB
Adapter
COPYRIGHT & TRADEMARKS
Copyright © 2002 Linksys, All Rights Reserved. Instant PowerLine is a trademark of
Linksys. Microsoft, Windows, and the Windows logo are registered trademarks of
Microsoft Corporation. All other trademarks and brand names are the property of their
respective proprietors.
LIMITED WARRANTY
Linksys guarantees that every Instant PowerLine
TM
PowerLine USB Adapter will be free
from physical defects in material and workmanship for one year from the date of pur-
chase, when used within the limits set forth in the Specifications section of this User
Guide. If the product proves defective during this warranty period, call Linksys Technical
Support in order to obtain a Return Authorization Number. BE SURE TO HAVE YOUR
PROOF OF PURCHASE AND A BARCODE FROM THE PRODUCT’S PACKAGING ON
HAND WHEN CALLING. RETURN REQUESTS CANNOT BE PROCESSED WITHOUT
PROOF OF PURCHASE. When returning a product, mark the Return Authorization
Number clearly on the outside of the package and include a copy of your original proof
of purchase. All customers located outside of the United States of America and Canada
shall be held responsible for shipping and handling charges.
IN NO EVENT SHALL LINKSYS’S LIABILITY EXCEED THE PRICE PAID FOR THE PROD-
UCT FROM DIRECT, INDIRECT, SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAM-
AGES RESULTING FROM THE USE OF THE PRODUCT, ITS ACCOMPANYING SOFT-
WARE, OR ITS DOCUMENTATION. LINKSYS DOES NOT OFFER REFUNDS FOR ANY
PRODUCT. Linksys makes no warranty or representation, expressed, implied, or statuto-
ry, with respect to its products or the contents or use of this documentation and all
accompanying software, and specifically disclaims its quality, performance, mer-
chantability, or fitness for any particular purpose. Linksys reserves the right to revise or
update its products, software, or documentation without obligation to notify any individ-
ual or entity. Please direct all inquiries to:
Linksys P.O. Box 18558, Irvine, CA 92623.
FCC STATEMENT
The Instant PowerLine
TM
PowerLine USB Adapter have been tested and complies with the
specifications for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These lim-
its are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a resi-
dential installation. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency ener-
gy and, if not installed and used according to the instructions, may cause harmful interfer-
ence to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not
occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio
or television reception, which is found by turning the equipment off and on, the user is
encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:
• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna
• Increase the separation between the equipment or devices
• Connect the equipment to an outlet other than the receiver’s
• Consult a dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for assistance
UG-PLUSB10 ver. 2-111902NC KL
Industry Canada (Canada)
This Class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003.
Cet appareil numérique de la classe (B) est conforme à la norme NMB-003 du Canada.
PowerLine USB Adapter
Instant PowerLine
TM
Series
Chapter 7: Using the PowerLine
Configuration Utility 16
Overview 16
Accessing the PowerLine Configuration Utility 16
Device 17
Network 18
Security 19
About 20
Appendix A: Troubleshooting 21
Common Problems and Solutions 21
Frequently Asked Questions 21
Appendix B: Glossary 22
Appendix C: IP Addressing 28
What’s an IP Address? 28
Static IP Addresses 28
Dynamic IP Addresses 28
DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) 28
Appendix D: Specifications 29
Environmental 30
Appendix E: Warranty Information 31
Appendix F: Contact Information 32
Table of Contents
Chapter 1: Introduction 1
The Linksys PowerLine USB Adapter 1
Features 1
Chapter 2: Getting to Know the PowerLine
USB Adapter 2
The USB Adapter’s Ports 2
The USB Adapter’s Front Panel LEDs 3
Chapter 3: Planning Your PowerLine Network 4
Chapter 4: Using the Setup CD-ROM 5
Overview 5
Running the Installation Wizard 5
Chapter 5: Connecting the PowerLine
USB Adapter 11
Chapter 6: Installing the Driver for the PowerLine
USB Adapter 12
Overview 12
Windows 98SE 12
Windows Millennium 13
Windows 2000 13
Windows XP 14
PowerLine USB Adapter
1
Chapter 1: Introduction
The PowerLine USB Adapter lets you turn the existing powerlines in your
home or office into a high-speed network. Now you don't have to drill through
the walls, and climb through the attic or cellar to install network cables, just use
the wires that already run through the building!
The PowerLine USB Adapter interfaces USB-equipped PCs to the HomePlug
PowerLine network standard. Just plug the PowerLine USB Adapter into the
wall, connect your computer to it using the included USB cable, and you've
turned your whole house into network infrastructure! Attach more computers
to the network by simply plugging them into the wall anywhere in the house,
using more PowerLine USB Adapters, or Linksys PowerLine EtherFast
®
10/100
Bridges.
Once your computers are connected to the network, they can share resources
like printers and storage space, and all kinds of files -- music, digital pictures,
and documents. With up to 12Mbps data rates*, you can play head-to-head net-
work computer games, too. And if you use a PowerLine Bridge to interface one
of the famous Linksys Broadband Routers from your cable or DSL Internet
connection to your PowerLine network, you'll be able to get to the Internet from
any computer in the house.
* The HomePlug powerline network data rate is 14Mbps. Actual throughput of
the PLUSB10 is limited to 12Mbps by the USB 1.1 specification.
• Use your home or office's existing powerlines to network your computers
• Connects USB-equipped PCs to powerline networking
• Data rates up to 12Mbps* — 56-bit encryption keeps your data secure
• Share files, printers, network storage, gaming, and your PowerLine-Bridged
cable/DSL Internet connection throughout your home
• Free Technical Support—24 Hours a Day, 7 Days a Week, Toll-Free US Calls
• 1-Year Limited Warranty
Features
The Linksys Powerline USB Adapter
Instant PowerLine
TM
Series
PowerLine USB Adapter
3
The Adapter’s LEDs (shown in Figure 2-4), where network activity is displayed,
are located on the Adapter’s front.
Link Green. The Link LED will light up when the PowerLine USB
Adapter is powered on.
Activity Green. The Activity LED will light up when there is power-
line network traffic.
Collision Orange. The Collision LED flashes when there is a collision.
The USB Adapter’s Front Panel LEDs
Figure 2-4
Instant PowerLine
TM
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2
Chapter 2:Getting to Know the
PowerLine USBAdapter
USB The USB Port, shown in Figure 2-1, is where you will connect
your USB cable. To work with USB ports, your computer must
be running Windows 98SE, 2000, Millennium, or XP.
The USB icon shown in Figure 2-2 marks a USB port on a
PC or device.
Your USB Adapter comes with a USB cable that has two different types of con-
nectors, as shown in Figure 2-3. Type A, the master connector, is shaped like a
rectangle and plugs into your computer’s USB port. Type B, the slave connec-
tor, resembles a square and connects to the USB port on the USB Adapter.
The USB Adapter’s Ports
Figure 2-1
Important: Windows 95 and NT do not support the USB Adapter.
USB Type A
USB Type B
Figure 2-3
Figure 2-2
PowerLine USB Adapter
Chapter 4:Using the Setup
CD-ROM
To begin installation of the PowerLine USB Adapter, you will use the Setup
CD-ROM to run the Installation Wizard.
1. Insert the Setup CD-ROM into the computer’s CD-ROM drive. The Setup
CD-ROM should run automatically. If it does not, click the Start button and
choose Run. In the box that appears, enter D:\setup.exe (if “D” is the let-
ter of your CD-ROM drive).
When you see Figure 4-1, click the Next button to continue. Click the
Cancel button to end the installation. Click the User Guide button to view
the User Guide.
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Chapter 3:Planning Your
Powerline Network
With the Instant PowerLine products, a network can be created using home
powerlines. Computers can be networked over powerlines using a PowerLine
USB Adapter or an EtherFast 10/100 Bridge. Use the USB Adapter for a USB-
enabled computer, or use the 10/100 Bridge for an Ethernet-enabled computer.
The PowerLine EtherFast 10/100 Bridge is also ideal for any user who already
has a router and wants to share high-speed Internet access across the powerline
network. (An example of such a network is shown in Figure 3-1.)
4
Figure 4-1
Overview
Running the Installation Wizard
Figure 3-1
PowerLine USB Adapter
4. Enter your User Name and Organization on the screen shown in Figure 4-
4. Select Anyone who uses this computer (all users) to install a shortcut
to the PowerLine Configuration Utility on every user’s desktop. Then click
the Next button to continue.
5. The screen in Figure 4-5 will appear next. It will list the current settings of
Setup Type, Destination Folder, User Name, and Organization. Click the
Install button to begin installation of the PowerLine Configuration Utility.
Click the Cancel button to end the installation. To return to the previous
screen, click the Back button.
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2. As the installation starts, you will see the screen shown in Figure 4-2.
3. The License Agreement screen appears next, shown in Figure 4-3. Read the
license agreement. To continue the installation, you must accept the terms
of the license agreement. Click the radio button next to I accept the terms
in the license agreement, and click the Next button. If you do not accept
these terms, then click the Cancel button to end the installation. To return
to the previous screen, click the Back button.
6
Figure 4-4
Figure 4-5
Figure 4-2
Figure 4-3
PowerLine USB Adapter
Windows XP users:Windows will notify you that the driver has not passed
Windows Logo testing (on the screen shown in Figure 4-8). Click the
Continue Anyway button. Click the STOP Installation button if you want
to stop the installation.
7. Click the Finish button, from the screen shown in Figure 4-9, to exit the
Installation Wizard.
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Instant PowerLine
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6. The screen in Figure 4-6 may appear while the files are being copied.
Windows 2000 users: Windows will inform you that there was no digital
signature found (on the screen shown in Figure 4-7). Click the Yes button
to proceed with the installation. Click the No button to end the installation.
8
Figure 4-8
Figure 4-9Figure 4-7
Figure 4-6
PowerLine USB Adapter
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Instant PowerLine
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8. You will be asked to restart your computer (shown in Figure 4-10). Click
the Ye s button to restart now, or click the No button to restart later.
Proceed to “Chapter 5: Connecting the USB Adapter.”
10
Chapter 5:Connecting the
PowerLine USBAdapter
1. Insert the end of the USB cable with the Type A connector
into the computer’s USB port. Figure 5-1 shows two USB
ports as they might appear on your computer. Note the two
USB icons marking the ports.
2. Insert the standard USB cable’s Type B connector into the
USB port on the USB Adapter. (See Figure 5-2.)
3. Plug the PowerLine USB Adapter into an electrical outlet. (See Figure 5-3.)
The hardware installation of the USB Adapter is complete. Proceed to
Chapter 6: Installing the Driver for the USB Adapter.
Figure 5-1
Figure 5-2
Figure 5-2
PLUG INTO
ELECTRICAL
OUTLET
INSERT THE
USB TYPE B
CABLE CON-
NECTOR
HERE
Figure 4-10
PowerLine USB Adapter
Windows Millennium will automatically detect the presence of the USB
Adapter in your computer after you have completed the hardware installation
and will automatically install the driver for you.
The Windows Millennium driver installation is now complete.
Proceed to Chapter 7: Using the PowerLine Configuration Utility.
Windows 2000 will automatically detect the presence of the USB Adapter in
your computer after you have completed the hardware installation. Windows
will inform you that there was no digital signature found, as shown in Figure 6-
4. Click the Yes button to install the USB driver.
The Windows 2000 driver installation is now complete.
Proceed to Chapter 7: Using the PowerLine Configuration Utility.
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Windows Millennium
Windows 2000
Figure 6-4
Chapter 6: Installing the Driver
for the PowerLine USBAdapter
After installing your USB Adapter in your computer, you will install the network
driver. The installation procedure for the network driver will vary depending on
which operating system you are using on your computer. Proceed to the instruc-
tions for your operating system: Windows 98SE, 2000, Millennium, or XP.
1. Windows 98SE will automatically detect the presence of the USB Adapter
hardware in your computer once you have completed the hardware installa-
tion.
2. Windows will ask you to supply your Windows 98SE Installation Files, as
shown in Figure 6-1. Insert the Windows 98SE CD-ROM into the CD-ROM
drive of your computer. Then click the OK button to continue.
3. A Version Conflict screen may
appear if an older file is being
copied (as shown in Figure 6-2.
If your existing file is newer and
you want to keep it, click the
Yes button. If you want the old
file to write over the new file,
click the No button.
The Windows 98SE driver installation is now complete.
Proceed to Chapter 7: Using the PowerLine Configuration Utility.
Overview
Windows 98SE
Figure 6-1
Figure 6-2
PowerLine USB Adapter
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1. Windows XP will automatically detect the presence of the USB Adapter in
your computer after you have completed the hardware installation. Click the
radio button next to Install the software automatically (Recommended)
on the screen shown in Figure 6-5. Then click the Next button.
14
2. Windows will notify you that the driver has not passed Windows Logo test-
ing, on the screen shown in Figure 6-6. Click the Continue Anyway button.
3. When Windows tells you it has finished installing the new driver, as on the
screen shown in Figure 6-7, click the Finish button.
The Windows XP driver installation is now complete. Proceed to
Chapter 7: Using the PowerLine Configuration Utility.
Figure 6-7
Figure 6-6
Windows XP
Figure 6-5
PowerLine USB Adapter
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3. The Device screen will appear. You have a choice of four screens:
• Device - Select which local powerline device to use when connecting your
PC to the powerline network.
• Network - Discover what powerline devices are on the powerline network.
• Security - Set the password for your current local device.
• About - If you have an active Internet connection, connect to Linksys’s
website, www.linksys.com, from this screen.
The Device screen (Figure 7-3) lists the powerline devices connected to your
PC.
Status - This indicates which powerline device is currently used by the PC.
Device - The name of each powerline device is displayed here.
MAC address - The MAC address of each powerline device is shown here.
Link Quality - The signal quality of the powerline network connection is indi-
cated here.
Connect - Select the Device you want to use to access the powerline network,
and then click the Connect button.
Figure 7-3
Device
Chapter 7: Using the PowerLine
Configuration Utility
After installing the PowerLine USB Adapter, you will run the PowerLine
Configuration Utility. Use this utility to check the PC’s direct connection to the
powerline network, search for powerline devices on your network, and set up
security using a network password.
1. To access the PowerLine Configuration Utility, double-click
the PowerLine Configuration Utility icon on your desktop.
2. The Welcome screen will appear, as shown in Figure 7-2. Click the Next
button.
Overview
Accessing the PowerLine Configuration Utility
Figure 7-1
Figure 7-2
PowerLine USB Adapter
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The Security screen (Figure 7-5) allows you to set the Network Password of the
powerline device being used by your PC. All of the powerline devices on your
powerline network must use the same Network Password.
Network Password - This must have between 4 and 24 characters. The
Network Password is case-sensitive, so note whether you use lowercase or
uppercase letters. It can include any letters of the alphabet, numbers, or punc-
tuation marks.
Set - Enter the Network Password in the Network Password field. Then click
the Set button.
Restore Default - Click the Restore Default button to set the Network Password
back to its factory default setting, HomePlug. Then click the Set button.
Note:Remember this password. You will need to set this password on
each powerline device on your powerline network.
Figure 7-5
Security
The Network screen (Figure 7-4) lists allows you to search the powerline net-
work for all powerline devices configured with the same Network Password as
the device you are currently using for your PC.
MAC address - The MAC address of each powerline device is shown here.
Data Rate (Mbps) - The transmission speed of the powerline device is dis-
played here.
Scan Network - Click the Scan Network button to perform a search for all
powerline devices configured with the same Network Password.
Figure 7-4
Network
PowerLine USB Adapter
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Appendix A:Troubleshooting
This section provides possible solutions to problems regarding the installation
and operation of the PowerLine USB Adapter. Read the description below to
solve your problems. If you can’t find an answer here, check the Linksys web-
site at www.linksys.com.
1. None of the LEDs light up after I installed the PowerLine USB Adapter.
• Unplug the USB cable from the computer. Unplug the PowerLine USB
Adapter from the power outlet. Then repeat the hardware installation
process. Make sure the power outlet is working properly.
2. I can’t connect to other computers on my powerline network or to the Internet.
• Make sure the IP address and TCP/IP protocol are set up correctly for all
the powerline networked computers. For more information on IP
addresses, see Appendix C: IP Addressing.
• Make sure all devices on the powerline network have been configured
using the Security Configuration Utility. The network password must be
the same for all devices in order for them to communicate with each
other. See Chapter 7: Using the PowerLine Configuration Utility.
Does the PowerLine USB Adapter cause interference with other home networking
or powerline products?
No. The PowerLine USB Adapter can co-exist with phoneline and wireless net-
working technologies. Instant PowerLine operates in a different frequency band
than powerline control and can co-exist with technologies such as X-10,
CEBus, and LONworks.
How does the PowerLine USB Adapter handle signal interference between two
adjacent homes? How is eavesdropping prevented?
The PowerLine USB Adapter uses 56-bit DES security encryption to ensure
network separation between homes. To enable 56-bit DES security encryption
on Instant PowerLine products, you must run the PowerLine Configuration
Utility on each and every Instant PowerLine product.
Common Problems and Solutions
Frequently Asked Questions
The About screen (Figure 7-6) offers a convenient link to the Linksys website,
www.linksys.com. You must have an active Internet connection to use this link.
Figure 7-6
About
PowerLine USB Adapter
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user is likely to require the Internet connection at a particular location. It’s espe-
cially useful in education and other environments where users change fre-
quently. Using very short leases, DHCP can dynamically reconfigure networks
in which there are more computers than there are available IP addresses.
DHCP supports static addresses for computers containing Web servers that
need a permanent IP address.
DNS - The Domain Name System (DNS) is the way that Internet domain
names are located and translated into Internet Protocol (IP) addresses. A
domain name is a meaningful and easy-to-remember “handle” for an Internet
address.
Driver - A workstation or server software module that provides an interface
between a network interface card and the upper-layer protocol software running
in the computer; it is designed for a specific NIC, and is installed during the
initial installation of a network-compatible client or server operating system.
Dynamic IP Address - An IP address that is automatically assigned to a client
station in a TCP/IP network, typically by a DHCP server. Network devices that
serve multiple users, such as servers and printers, are usually assigned static IP
addresses.
Encryption - A security method that applies a specific algorithm to data in
order to alter the data's appearance and prevent other devices from reading the
information.
Ethernet - IEEE standard network protocol that specifies how data is placed
on and retrieved from a common transmission medium. Has a transfer rate of
10 Mbps. Forms the underlying transport vehicle used by several upper-level
protocols, including TCP/IP and XNS.
Fast Ethernet - A 100 Mbps technology based on the 10Base-T Ethernet
CSMA/CD network access method.
Firmware - Programming that is inserted into programmable read-only mem-
ory, thus becoming a permanent part of a computing device.
HomePlug™ Powerline Alliance - A nonprofit organization established to
provide a forum for the creation of specifications for home powerline net-
working products and services.
Appendix B: Glossary
10BaseT - An Ethernet standard that uses twisted wire pairs.
100BaseTX - IEEE physical layer specification for 100 Mbps over two pairs of
Category 5 UTP or STP wire.
Bridge - A device that interconnects different networks together.
CAT 5 - ANSI/EIA (American National Standards Institute/Electronic
Industries Association) Standard 568 is one of several standards that specify
“categories” (the singular is commonly referred to as “CAT”) of twisted pair
cabling systems (wires, junctions, and connectors) in terms of the data rates
that they can sustain. CAT 5 cable has a maximum throughput of 100 Mbps and
is usually utilized for 100BaseTX networks.
CSMA/CD (Carrier Sense Multiple Access/Collision Detection) - The LAN
access method used in Ethernet. When a device wants to gain access to the net-
work, it checks to see if the network is quiet (senses the carrier). If it is not, it
waits a random amount of time before retrying. If the network is quiet and two
devices access the line at exactly the same time, their signals collide. When the
collision is detected, they both back off and each wait a random amount of time
before retrying.
Default Gateway - The router used to forward all traffic that is not addressed
to a station within the local subnet.
DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) - A protocol that lets network
administrators centrally manage and automate the assignment of Internet
Protocol (IP) addresses in an organization's network. Using the Internet's set of
protocol (TCP/IP), each machine that can connect to the Internet needs a
unique IP address. When an organization sets up its computer users with a con-
nection to the Internet, an IP address must be assigned to each machine.
Without DHCP, the IP address must be entered manually at each computer and,
if computers move to another location in another part of the network, a new IP
address must be entered. DHCP lets a network administrator supervise and dis-
tribute IP addresses from a central point and automatically sends a new IP
address when a computer is plugged into a different place in the network.
DHCP uses the concept of a “lease” or amount of time that a given IP address
will be valid for a computer. The lease time can vary depending on how long a
PowerLine USB Adapter
Network - A system that transmits any combination of voice, video and/or data
between users.
Network Mask - also known as the “Subnet Mask.”
Plug-and-Play - The ability of a computer system to configure expansion
boards and other devices automatically without requiring the user to turn off
the system during installation.
PowerPacket™ - The basis for the HomePlug™ Powerline Alliance 1.0 speci-
fication, PowerPacket is a robust, secure, and reliable means of transferring
data. This technology reduces interference generated by appliances, electronic
devices, and halogen lights. PowerPacket also has encryption techniques built
into the hardware to prevent neighbors on the same power grids from gaining
access to sensitive data or the Internet connection.
Powerline Networking - Data transmission over powerlines.
RJ-45 - A connector similar to a telephone connector that holds up to eight
wires, used for connecting Ethernet devices.
Router - Protocol-dependent device that connects subnetworks together.
Routers are useful in breaking down a very large network into smaller subnet-
works; they introduce longer delays and typically have much lower throughput
rates than bridges.
Static IP Address - A permanent IP address that is assigned to a node in a
TCP/IP network.
STP (Shielded Twisted Pair) - Telephone wire that is wrapped in a metal sheath
to eliminate external interference.
Subnet Mask - The method used for splitting IP networks into a series of sub-
groups, or subnets. The mask is a binary pattern that is matched up with the IP
address to turn part of the host ID address field into a field for subnets.
TCP (Transmission Control Protocol) - A method (protocol) used along with
the Internet Protocol (IP) to send data in the form of message units between
computers over the Internet. While IP takes care of handling the actual deliv-
ery of the data, TCP takes care of keeping track of the individual units of data
(called packets) that a message is divided into for efficient routing through the
Internet.
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Hot Swap - The ability to replace a card or other hardware part in a hardware
device without turning it off or losing functionality.
IEEE - The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers. The IEEE
describes itself as “the world’s largest technical professional society—promot-
ing the development and application of electrotechnology and allied sciences
for the benefit of humanity, the advancement of the profession, and the well-
being of our members.”
The IEEE fosters the development of standards that often become national and
international standards. The organization publishes a number of journals, has
many local chapters, and has several large societies in special areas, such as the
IEEE Computer Society.
IP Address - In the most widely installed level of the Internet Protocol
(Internet Protocol) today, an IP address is a 32-binary digit number that identi-
fies each sender or receiver of information that is sent in packets across the
Internet. When you request an HTML page or send e-mail, the Internet
Protocol part of TCP/IP includes your IP address in the message (actually, in
each of the packets if more than one is required) and sends it to the IP address
that is obtained by looking up the domain name in the Uniform Resource
Locator you requested or in the e-mail address you're sending a note to. At the
other end, the recipient can see the IP address of the Web page requester or the
e-mail sender and can respond by sending another message using the IP address
it received.
IPCONFIG - A utility that provides for querying, defining and managing IP
addresses within a network. A commonly used utility, under Windows NT and
2000, for configuring networks with static IP addresses.
ISP - An ISP (Internet service provider) is a company that provides individuals
and companies access to the Internet and other related services such as website
building and virtual hosting.
LAN - A local area network (LAN) is a group of computers and associated
devices that share a common communications line and typically share the
resources of a single processor or server within a small geographic area (for
example, within an office building).
MAC Address - The MAC (Media Access Control) address is a unique num-
ber assigned by the manufacturer to any Ethernet networking device, such as a
network adapter, that allows the network to identify it at the hardware level.
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PowerLine USB Adapter
A different “plug-and-play” standard, FireWire/IEEE 1394, is designed to sup-
port much higher data rates and devices such as video camcorders and digital
video disk (digital versatile disk) players. Both standards are expected to exist
together, serving different device types.
UTP - Unshielded twisted pair is the most common kind of copper telephone
wiring. Twisted pair is the ordinary copper wire that connects home and many
business computers to the telephone company. To reduce crosstalk or electro-
magnetic induction between pairs of wires, two insulated copper wires are
twisted around each other. Each signal on twisted pair requires both wires.
Since some telephone sets or desktop locations require multiple connections,
twisted pair is sometimes installed in two or more pairs, all within a single
cable.
WINIPCFG - Configuration utility based on the Win32 API for querying,
defining, and managing IP addresses within a network. A commonly used util-
ity, under Windows 95, 98, and Millennium, for configuring networks with
static IP addresses.
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TCP/IP - Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) is the
basic communication language or protocol of the Internet. It can also be used
as a communications protocol in a private network (either an intranet or an
extranet). When you are set up with direct access to the Internet, your comput-
er is provided with a copy of the TCP/IP program just as every other computer
that you may send messages to or get information from also has a copy of
TCP/IP.
UDP (User Datagram Protocol) - A communications method (protocol) that
offers a limited amount of service when messages are exchanged between com-
puters in a network that uses the Internet Protocol (IP). UDP is an alternative
to the Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) and, together with IP, is sometimes
referred to as UDP/IP. Like the Transmission Control Protocol, UDP uses the
Internet Protocol to actually get a data unit (called a datagram) from one com-
puter to another. Unlike TCP, however, UDP does not provide the service of
dividing a message into packets (datagrams) and reassembling it at the other
end. Specifically, UDP doesn't provide sequencing of the packets that the data
arrives in. This means that the application program that uses UDP must be able
to make sure that the entire message has arrived and is in the right order.
Network applications that want to save processing time because they have very
small data units to exchange (and therefore very little message reassembling to
do) may prefer UDP to TCP.
USB (Universal Serial Bus) - A “plug-and-play” interface between a com-
puter and add-on devices (such as audio players, joysticks, keyboards, tele-
phones, scanners, and printers). With USB, a new device can be added to your
computer without having to add an adapter card or even having to turn the com-
puter off. The USB peripheral bus standard was developed by Compaq, IBM,
DEC, Intel, Microsoft, NEC, and Northern Telecom and the technology is
available without charge for all computer and device vendors.
USB supports a data speed of 12 megabits per second. This speed will accom-
modate a wide range of devices, including MPEG video devices, data gloves,
and digitizers. It is anticipated that USB will easily accommodate plug-in tele-
phones that use Integrated Services Digital Network and digital private branch
exchange.
Since October, 1996, the Windows operating systems have been equipped with
USB driver or special software designed to work with specific I/O device types.
USB is integrated into Windows 98SE. Today, most new computers and periph-
eral devices are equipped with USB.
PowerLine USB Adapter
Appendix D:Specifications
Standards: USB Spec. 1.1, HomePlug 1.0
Ports: One USB Port
Cabling Type: Standard USB Cable
Speed:
Powerline
Up to 14Mbps
USB Up to 12Mbps
LEDs: Activity, Link, Collision
Encryption: 56-Bit Data Encryption with Key Management,
Network Password to secure local powerline
networking
29
Instant PowerLine
TM
Series
Appendix C:IPAddressing
IP stands for Internet Protocol. Every device on an IP-based network, includ-
ing PCs, print servers, and routers, requires an IP address to identify its “loca-
tion,” or address, on the network. Since the Internet is simply one huge global
network, every PC that logs on to the Internet also needs an IP address.
There are two ways of assigning an IP address to your network devices.
A static IP address is a permanent IP address that you assign manually to a PC
or other device on a TCP/IP network. Since a static IP address remains valid
until you disable it, static IP addressing insures that the device assigned it will
always have that same IP address. Static IP addresses are commonly used with
network devices such as server PCs or print servers.
A dynamic IP address is automatically assigned to a device on a TCP/IP net-
work, such as PCs and print servers. These IP addresses are called “dynamic”
because they are only temporarily assigned to the PC or device. After a certain
time period, they expire and may change. Dynamic IP addresses are typically
assigned by a DHCP server, which can be a computer on the network or anoth-
er piece of hardware, such as a router.
If a PC logs on to the network (or the Internet) and its dynamic IP address has
expired, the DHCP server will assign it a new dynamic IP address.
DHCP is software that automatically assigns IP addresses to client stations log-
ging onto a TCP/IP network. DHCP frees you from having to manually assign
permanent IP addresses to every device on your network. DHCP software typ-
ically runs on servers and is also found on network devices such as routers.
28
Static IP Addresses
What’s an IP Address?
Dynamic IP Addresses
DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol)
PowerLine USB Adapter
31
Instant PowerLine
TM
Series
Dimensions: 2.68" x 4.25" x 2.60" (68 mm x 108 mm x 66 mm)
Unit Weight: 0.5 lb (0.142 kg)
Certifications: FCC Class B,UL Listed,HomePlug 1.0
Operating Temp.: 32°F to 104°F (0°C to 40°C)
Storage Temp.: -4°F to 158°F (-20°C to 70°C)
Operating Humidity: 10% to 85% Non-Condensing
Storage Humidity: 5% to 90% Non-Condensing
30
Appendix E:Warranty
Information
BE SURE TO HAVE YOUR PROOF OF PURCHASE AND A BARCODE
FROM THE PRODUCT'S PACKAGING ON HAND WHEN CALLING.
RETURN REQUESTS CANNOT BE PROCESSED WITHOUT PROOF OF
PURCHASE.
IN NO EVENT SHALL LINKSYS’S LIABILITY EXCEED THE PRICE
PAID FOR THE PRODUCT FROM DIRECT, INDIRECT, SPECIAL, INCI-
DENTAL, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES RESULTING FROM THE
USE OF THE PRODUCT, ITS ACCOMPANYING SOFTWARE, OR ITS
DOCUMENTATION. LINKSYS DOES NOT OFFER REFUNDS FOR ANY
PRODUCT.
LINKSYS OFFERS CROSS SHIPMENTS, A FASTER PROCESS FOR PRO-
CESSING AND RECEIVING YOUR REPLACEMENT. LINKSYS PAYS
FOR UPS GROUND ONLY. ALL CUSTOMERS LOCATED OUTSIDE OF
THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA AND CANADA SHALL BE HELD
RESPONSIBLE FOR SHIPPING AND HANDLING CHARGES. PLEASE
CALL LINKSYS FOR MORE DETAILS.
Environmental
Instant PowerLine
TM
Series
Appendix F:Contact Information
For help with the installation or operation of this product, contact Linksys
Technical Support at one of the phone numbers or Internet addresses below.
Sales Information 800-546-5797 (LINKSYS)
Tech Support 888-793-4632
RMA Issues 949-271-5461
Fax 949-265-6655
Email [email protected]
Web http://www.linksys.com
FTP Site ftp.linksys.com
32
© Copyright 2002 Linksys,All Rights Reserved.
http://www.linksys.com
/